Charterites Say Vote For These Three

Cincinnati's Charter Committee announced today its three (so far) endorsements for City Council in November:

Chris Bortz, an incumbent elected in 2005; Cincinnati Board of Education member Melanie Bates, who has become known as a crime-fighter since the shooting death of her husband in August; and Joan Kaup, who has worked for the convention bureau, Downtown Cincinnati Inc. and Ensemble Theatre.

“These three candidates have the courage of their convictions, and they understand the leadership role of City Council," Charter Board President Michael Goldman said in an e-mailed statement. "They are tireless, positive thinkers who present a real vision of hope for Cincinnati."

The announcement went on to say that "Cincinnati's greatest leaders have been Charterites." Including: Murray Seasongood, the first mayor; Charlie Taft; Ted Berry, the first African-American mayor; Bobbie Sterne, the first female mayor; Marian Spencer, the first African-American woman elected to council; former mayor Arn Bortz; and Jim Tarbell, the current vice mayor. Term limits make this Tarbell's last term.